TYPES OF WOOD DESTROYING PESTS (NON-TERMITE)
Termites are among the most well-known wood destroying pests, however, there are a variety of other insects that can cause severe structural damage to your home or business.
WOOD BORING BEETLES
CAPRENTER ANTS
CARPENTER BEES
The three most common families of beetles in Northern California that invade and damage structural and decorative wood and furniture are the powderpost beetles (Lyctidae), deathwatch beetles (Anobiidae) and false powderpost beetles (Bostrichiade).
For beetle infestations, a thorough inspection must be made to determine the extent of the infestation. For isolated infestations, which are accessible for treatment, a spot treatment may be performed to provide adequate protection.
However, if infestation is extensive or inaccessible in the attic, walls or sub-flooring of the structure, a complete fumigation would be the recommended treatment option.
Wood Boring Beetles
Carpenter ants are typically large ants, although the size of the workers can vary in a single colony. The first thing to remember about carpenter ants is that they do not eat wood! They get their name from their habit of hollowing out wood in order to make a suitable nesting site.
Most carpenter ant colonies start outdoors in a tree cavity. After a few years, the colony grows and expands its foraging territory. If suitable conditions are found within a nearby home, satellite colonies may become established in voids or moist wood in the home. These satellite colonies will contain workers, older larvae, pupae, and when conditions are right, some winged reproductive.
Carpenter ant damage is more localized and may not be as extreme as a termite infestation. While the treatment for carpenter ants may involve the entire house, in some cases spot treatment may be used or removing the wood which is attracting them or a surface applied pesticide, all these can effectively eliminate a carpenter ant infestation.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter Bees resemble bumble bees, but the upper surface of their abdomen is bare and shiny black. Bumble bees have a hairy abdomen with at least some yellow markings. Carpenter bees tunnel into wood to lay their eggs. Bare, unpainted or weathered woods are preferred. Painted or pressure treated woods are less susceptible to attack.
Carpenter bees are mainly a nuisance pest, but can cause structural damage if allowed to re-infest the same areas it previously re-infested. The major sign of its activity is a presence of an inch diameter holes with some stains below them. Sawdust piles can also be seen. Plugging the holes and spot treating will eliminate of most carpenter bee infestations in a home.
As in the case of carpenter ants, treatment for carpenter bees may involve the entire house, however, spot treatment may be the proper method to effectively eliminate a carpenter bee infestation.
